NATCHEZ — They’ll probably never make the Fortune 500 list, and it’s not likely they will ever garner the attention of the local Economic Development Authority, but for the small group of folks running the Saturday morning market — business is good.

Vendors selling their wares at the former Main Street Marketplace Café have partnered with Alcorn State University and local farmers to create a Saturday morning flea market.

On Saturdays the open air market is perhaps the only place in the city were shoppers can chose from a faux mink coat, fresh locally grown okra, green tomatoes and antique telephones.

“It’s definitely an unlikely partnership,” Alcorn’s Marketing Coordinator and Marketing Manager Helen D. Brooks said after selling a bag of onions to a young couple. “But it’s working out really well.”

In the front of the shop Brooks is selling locally-grown produce and in the back vendors are selling a variety of antiques and even local art.

Local photographer Mark Brockway has been renting a booth in the flea market for just about a month and said it creates an excellent opportunity for him to show his work to the community.

“A space (rental) is $10 and on a Saturday I probably give out 40 business cards,” Brockway said. “It’s a great way to show my work.”

Brockway said in addition to having a space to show his work, the vendors are like a family.

“It’s a tight-knit bunch,” he said. “Everyone here is friendly.”

In another corner of the market Larry Brown Jr. is selling 20 years worth of antiques he cleaned out of some storage units.

“For me it’s like a hobby,” Brown said. “It’s just something to do on the weekend and (shoppers) seem to like what we’re doing.”

And while shoppers and vendors like the current arrangement, it’s about to change.

Brooks said St. Mary Basilica owns the land the market is using and has decided not to renew their lease.

“It’s disappointing, but we’re looking for another spot,” she said. “I think we’ll find something.”

But some vendors don’t want to leave the old café.

“This is a great spot,” said vendor Mary Baker. “It’s downtown, it’s open and it’s easy to park. Shoppers like, we love it. You can’t beat that.”